Football Links

Gil Brandt - NFL.com Analyst and legendary V.P. and Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys for 30 years.
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Game Facts
QB Ryan Mallett leads nation with 360 yards passing per game with 9 TDs to 2 interceptions on a 70% completion rate. McElroy again has the best passing efficiency in the nation in 2010. He has not lost a game since pre high school. Last year vs Arkansas, he went 17 of 24 passes for 291 yards and 0 interceptions. This kid just does not make mistakes and clearly outplayed Mallett in last year’s matchup. He manages a game flawlessly and allows his club to gain field position over the course of a game even when drives stall and they have to punt. McElroy also outplayed both Tim Tebow and Colts McCoy in SEC and national title games that were instrumental in the Tides national title last season. Arkansas has averaged just under 116 yards rushing vs 111 yards rushing allowed per game. They have scored 5 TDs rushing this year with 6 fumbles losing 3 in three games, a disturbing fact. While averaging 116 yards per game, their 5 rushing TDs came from 5 different runners.

Arkansas totaled only 63 yards rushing vs Alabama last season for less than 3 yards per carry. They got behind 14-0 into the 3rd Q that forced Arkansas to abandon the ground game and throw the ball 41 times. Mallett was only 12 of 35 passing for 160 yards and 1 interception and 1 TD in Bama lost last season. Last week, the Hogs rushed for only 53 yards on 23 carries in win over Georgia. Last year, Arkansas had only a 3-5 SEC record and overall scored 234 points while surrendered 233 points over the schedule.

This year
Arkansas has been almost perfect in the Red Zone with TDs in 9 of 10 opportunities and a FG in other time. He has been sacked 4 times while the Arkansas defense has 12 sacks from 9 different defenders. They also have 26 TFL from 12 defenders, though only 1 FR and 3 FF this season.

Quarterbacks
QB Ryan Mallett is one of the premier passers in the nation and enters his second season as the Razorback starter. He is off to a fast start and showcases the premier passing arm in the collegiate game. He missed spring drills after breaking his foot last winter and had toe surgery. He returned 100% for summer camp and has had a hot hand over the first three games. He makes all the throws, the complete route tree, displaying a powerful arm with touch, accuracy and timing. He gets the ball into tight windows with fast improving decision-making. He shows fine pocket presence and has learned to go through his progressions better and the ability to locate secondary receivers quicker. He has shown progress in his initial reads and looking off the safety. He goes through his progressions quicker and better along with better decisions and few attempts to force the ball into heavy coverage. Last season, he forced the ball too much, attempting to do too much especially when the Hogs got behind.

After playing one season at Michigan, Mallett transferred to Arkansas with the arrival of HC Bobby Petrino. After sitting sat out the ’08 season, Mallett had a huge ’09 performance that included throwing for over 3400 yards, 29 TD passes and just 7 interceptions. They are very impressive statistics for a first year starter vs a very high level of competition. Unfortunately, he struggled vs the top SEC clubs, Alabama, LSU and Florida, failing to complete 50% of his passes in each of those key losses. In each of those losses, they were behind at halftime and their opponents rushed for at least 134 yards in those games. Mallett struggled in each of those defeats, facing a strong pass rush especially as the game progressed and the Hogs were down by more than two scores by mid game.

Nevertheless, Mallett is a big time player and capable of being a difference maker in this conference. He has a full array of weapons and will use them regularly, in what is an explosive high scoring attack and probably more balanced than most observers expect. This offense is in great hands, and the numbers should reflect his talented passing skills and well-rounded group of highly developed weapons. His big game performance has been questioned off a few subpar key ’09 games. This matchup with the defending champions can be a signature game for Mallett who has yet to beat a top ranked club over his short career. His maturation as a leader and passer will determine if he can take a good club to the next level on smarts, leadership and toughness that utilizes both his and teammates chip physical skills to the fullest.

The Tides QB Greg McElroy directs a potent offense that can beat a defense both on the ground and through the air. McElroy manages a game flawlessly and rarely forces the ball into difficult situations. He has fine accuracy and goes through his progressions quickly with sound decision making. His record is perfect over his HS and college career and his level of maturity is rare for a senior starting passer. He is very dangerous on the play action with most defenses loading the box to stop runners Ingram and Richardson regularly.

Running Backs
The Bama tandem of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson is the best collegiate backfield duo since the Auburn pair of runners Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown almost a decade ago. Ingram is coming off a Heisman Trophy season. He played in his first game last week and produced a 48 yard run on his very first rushing attempt. He can pound a defense with the burst of speed to go the distance. He has shown good ball security and the toughness to carry the weekly load. Richardson is an awesome 1A compliment and more diversified as a runner and athlete than Ingram. He is a terrific kickoff returner and receiver with both power and speed. As a runner, he puts his foot in the ground and explodes to the second level with the speed to go the distance. He usually comes in after Ingram takes a break and has the speed to shock a defense with his change of pace talent. He also can pound with a compact frame that delivers a blow to tacklers. In that aspect, Richardson and Ingram are very similar – compact strong runners with low centers of gravity to be difficult to tackle and capable of finishing rushing attempts well. Richardson started last year’s rout with the first score on a 52 yard TD run.

The Hogs rely on sophomore runner Ronnie Wingo who has build on a solid ’09 season finish that included a fine performance vs rival LSU. He is a big hard-hitting workhorse type back with fine natural abilities including receiving skills. Wingo heads an unheralded trio that includes punishing tailback Broderick Green and fast compact runner Dennis Johnson. This young trio of backs may be one of the deeper sets of runners this season. They have slow to produce this season with the air game providing the catalyst for the Hogs undefeated season. This trio is capable of giving this offense the power to run inside and control games plus some big play ability to keep defenses honest and not focused on QB Mallett. Wingo combines power and speed that gives him the inside edge on the starting job. Green is a former USC runner that cannot be minimized to play a key role in this offense. He finished the ’09 season with 7 TDs in the last five games and one of the better red zone runners in the SEC. He will push Wingo for touches especially in short yardage and goal line situations. As a receiver, he is still raw that puts Wingo in the starting 3rd down role. Johnson is a big play weapon with good kickoff return skills. He had one of the Hogs’ three 100 yard rushing game last season vs highly rated Florida. He needs some development as a receiver, but gives the Hogs an interesting feature runner in some games and a change of pace back that can be highly successful in this potent attack.

Receivers
The Hogs return their top five receivers from last season to work with QB Ryan Mallett. Starters Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Jarius Wright are the best returning trio in a deep SEC group of pass catchers. Childs and Adams are big play specialists who have taken it up a notch with experience working with the fast emerging Mallett who has the talent to get them the ball. Childs will command double coverage after scoring another big TD last week vs Georgia. He scored in half of the Hogs games last season while beating double coverage at times. Adams is a burner with the ability to separate deep and hit the home run. He has scored a TD in 9 of the 12 regular season games he played in the past two years. He opens the offense up and forces the safeties to play deep and respect his speed and Mallett’s arm. The combination of Adams and Childs should guarantee an improving ground game with dual deep threats. Childs is the go to receiver but Adams is the home run hitter with a 22 yard average. Childs has fine run after the catch ability (winning TD vs Georgia) TE D.J. Williams is the best movement weapon in the nation. He lines up at tight end, H-back and fullback that give this offense one of the most versatile weapons in the nation. His ability to shift positions gives the Hogs offense the unique ability to run a diverse number of sets on the clock that they should be able to create many mismatches in coverage and run/pass play alignments. He probably faces premier strong safety Mark Barron in one of the critical matchups in the game. Mallett looks for him on the 2nd and 3rd and long in the intermediate zones where he shows excellent hands and run after the catch ability.

The Tides’ Julio Jones may be the best receiver in the nation. He has incredible raw talent that has developed nicely over his short career. McElroy looks for him in big situations especially after the ground game has been established and he faces an eight man front. McElroy works play action well with good ball handing and fine touch to give receivers a chance to make big plays. Jones is a very difficult matchup on size and speed and will probably command heavy double coverage in many situations, though McElroy will exploit any single coverage quickly using the ground attack to set him up.

Offensive Line
The Hogs return four of their five starters including bookend tackles DeMarcus Love and Ray Dominguez. They are proficient pass protectors who were instrumental in the fast development of first year starting QB Mallett and the quick progress of their young receivers and runners. This unit helped the Hogs offense that led the SEC in scoring and passing offense and 2nd in overall offense. Center Seth Oxner is a savvy pivotman in the mold of former Hog Jonathan Luigs. He is an anchor inside and an unsung leader on this blue-collar unit. This unit looks to take another step up vs top SEC talent and further extensive over a fine ’09 experience.

The Bama line returns three starters and have been instrumental in the overall offensive success. They get a consistent strong push at the point of attack that has allowed Ingram and Richardson to pound defenses with the potential to break long gains consistently. With little fanfare, this unit has been the key unit that has allowed this ground game to dominant and QB Greg McElroy to be the most efficient passer in the nation over the past two seasons.

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff was the first consensus All-American in Florida State football history and began a long line of Seminole standouts at the position. Biletnikoff enjoyed an outstanding career with the Seminoles from 1962-64 under coach Bill Peterson, capped by his 57 reception, 11 touchdown senior season, which he finished off by collecting four touchdown passes in FSU’s 36-19 Gator Bowl win over Oklahoma. He went on to enjoy a 14-year career with the Oakland Raiders, playing in four Pro Bowls and earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XI. He is the only former Seminole who has been enshrined in both the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988) and the College Football Hall of Fame (1991). This year wideout Bert Reed of Florida St. hopes to carry the Seminole tradition of outstanding receivers for the award.

The Biletnikoff Award selection committee will trim its list of contenders to 10 semifinalists on Nov. 14 and three finalists on Nov. 21. The winner be announced on the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards show from Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 9 and honored at the Biletnikoff Award Presentation Banquet at the Florida State University Center Club on Feb. 11, 2011.

Fred Biletnikoff Award "Watch List"
Darvin Adams - Auburn University
Jon Baldwin - University of Pittsburgh
Armon Binns - University of Cincinnati
DeAndre Brown - University of Southern Miss
Vincent Brown - San Diego State University
Lavon Brazill - Ohio University
Ryan Broyles - University of Oklahoma
Tyron Carrier - University of Houston
Greg Childs - University of Arkansas
James Cleveland - University of Houston
Randall Cobb - University of Kentucky
Juron Criner - University of Arizona
Tandon Doss - Indiana University
Patrick Edwards - University of Houston
Michael Floyd - University of Notre Dame
AJ Green - University of Georgia
Leonard Hankerson - University of Miami
Dwayne Harris - East Carolina University
Alshon Jeffery - University of South Carolina
Jerrel Jernigan - Troy University
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos - University of Iowa
Damaris Johnson - University of Tulsa
Ronald Johnson - University of Southern Cal
Julio Jones - University of Alabama
Marvin Jones - University of California
Jermaine Kearse - Washington University
Detron Lewis - Texas Tech University
Greg Little - University of North Carolina
Scotty McKnight - University of Colorado
Derek Moye - Penn State University
Uzoma Nwachukwu - Texas A&M University
Eric Page - University of Toledo
Niles Paul - University of Nebraska
Phillip Payne - University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Austin Pettis - Boise State University
DeVier Posey - Ohio State University
Bert Reed - Florida State University
James Rodgers - Oregon State University
Roy Roundtree - University of Michigan
Gret Salas - University of Hawaii
keith Smith - Purdue University
Torrey Smith - University of Maryland
Owen Spencer - North Carolina State University
Nick Toon - University of Wisconsin
Donovan Varner - Duke University
Ryan Whalen - Stanford University
Jarvis Williams - North Carolina State University
Marshall Williams - Wake Forest University
Brandon Wimberly - University of Nevada
Kendall Wright - Baylor University
Titus Young - Boise State University

June 1 - Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 22. Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned restricted free agents or to extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.
June 15 - Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous years salary.
July 22 - Deadline for franchise players to sign new contracts. Signing period ends at 4 p.m. (ET) for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.

Every NFL club scouts the nation in hopes of landing the next great sleeper prospect in the NFL Draft. The small college ranks has supplied many NFL Hall of Fame prospects over the past fifty years with a litany of stars like receiver Jerry Rice, running back Walter Payton and QBs Tony Romo and Doug Williams from the Grambling and Jackson St. programs across the nation. This year's class will produce several players in the top 100 picks. There should be as many as 20-25 draft selections over seven rounds. It is an interesting group with several blue chip prospects mainly along the offensive line and in the secondary. This year’s group of small college pro prospects ranks among the better classes of the past decade and is especially deep at offensive tackle. The highest rated small college prospect is LB OL Vladimir Ducasse who completed an excellent postseason after a fine stay at UMass. Defensive back Akwasi Owusu-Ansah of Indiana (Pa) carries an NFL starting grade after a strong college career. He ranks among the top defenders from the lower level in recent drafts. The secondary and offensive should provide many draft selections overall in the NFL Draft 2010 once again and the small college ranks should be well represented over the three days. Both the offensive and defensive lines will supply NFL starters while the wide receiver position may provide a few highly regarded prospects.

Note: In recent years, our highest rated small college players were QB Joe Flacco and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and both were chosen in the first round. Each has performed brilliantly over their early careers and key performers in their clubs strong annual playoff berths.

The Dirty Dozen - Top 12 Small College Players For the NFL Draft

1. Vladimir Ducasse - OT - UMass
Big mobile lineman completed an excellent small college career starting at left tackle over his late career. He projects to both tackle and guard with an early starting grade on the inside. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop into an NFL starter and is a good athlete with fine footwork and athletic ability. He can be one of the real gems in this class and is similar to the Saints OG Jahri Evans who I loved coming out for the NFL Draft ’06. He is our #1 small college prospect with the talent to start, but needs vital time to settle into a system and position. Within a short time, he could be the biggest bargain in this class on the middle rounds.

2. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah - CB - Indiana (Pa)
Fast athletically gifted small college defensive back had a tremendous postseason that has elevated his stock into the early rounds. He had an impressive performance at the NFL Combine that moved him into the top 100 prospects. He carries an NFL starting grade at cornerback off his fine measurables, skills set and fine postseason efforts. He probably plays in the nickel package early in his career with incredible upside as a starting corner. Blue chip small college corner and an excellent return specialist who should win those roles immediately in his career.

3. Austin Lane - DE - Murray St (Ky)
Tall angular mobile lineman was a dominating performer against a lower level of competition. Though he was not really tested at the lower level, he performed well vs top competition and grades a middle round grade for the NFL Draft. He showed some promising skills with long arms, good footwork, size, bulk and overall strength. He showed the ability to stack with the burst to get into the backfield or chase to the perimeter. He also played outside at end and could project to the strongside spot in both schemes and maybe best suited for the three-man front. He looks like a solid two-way defender at end in 3-4 scheme.

4. Jared Veldheer - OT - Hillsdale (Mi.)
Huge left tackle prospect had a strong finish to his career that earned him honors annually. Jared is a long armed mobile tackle who opened some eyes over the latter part of his career. He is a legit starting tackle prospect with tremendous size, reach, height, footwork and mobility. He usually plays with sound technique in many aspect of play and is one of the biggest sleepers in this class. He could become a real gem in the right situation with further development and refinement of his excellent physical package and skill set. Major sleeper with the talent to become a starting pro tackle with further development and critical time to refine his skill set.

5. Andre Roberts - WR - Citadel (S.C.)
Fast agile small college receiver had an impressive postseason that has him moving up the rankings. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at just under 5’11” and 195 lbs and ran a fast 4.46 time with a 36” VL and a 10' BJ in a fine workout in addition to a good effort at the Senior Bowl that a small college prospect needs to impress scouts. He has shown the separation speed to get behind the secondary and make the big play. He displays very good hands, fine body control to track and adjust to the ball in flight and has been able to get deep and hit the home. Athlete with an excellent combination of size, speed and receiving skills to be a huge surprise in the right offense and fine middle round pick with intriguing upside.

6. Jeromy Miles - S - UMass
Talented small college defensive back completed an outstanding career at the lower level earning CAA honors since his sophomore season. Jeromy is a fine athlete who was a dominant performer at his level of competition making plays in coverage with his speed, quickness and instincts. He has good measureables including size, speed and toughness for the position. He has the skill set to develop further but needs to settle into a defense that allows him to learn a system and more sophisticated coverage vs pro style passing games. He may need some time but could be a huge surprise after settling into a pro scheme. Top-flight special teams defender.

7. Arthur Moats - LB - James Madison (Va.)
Quick rangy senior defender had another strong performance for the tough JM program that earned him first team CAA honors. He has the size, speed, instincts and toughness to convert to the backer role in the 3-4 scheme. He has established himself as a pro prospect using his fine functional strength and quick hands to perform well in both pass and run defense with the ability to hold the point of attack and chase in pursuit. He is one of the better physical specimens among edge rushers in this class with long arms to go with his good speed and fine functional strength. He has the athletic and mental aptitude to make the adjustment up as an attack linebacker and maybe sooner than most think. He has the skill set to be a huge surprise and start fairly soon in his career and be a factor off the edge.

8. James Ruffin - DE - Northern Iowa
Rangy athletic defender completed an impressive finish to his career with a strong performance. He is one of the real hidden gems in this class after a strong career that drew attention from scouts after seeing his fine triangle numbers. He has been timed in sub 4.6 time that would rank with any 4-3 end in this class. He has the speed off the edge to pressure the passer and will warrant a late selection in this draft class. He may be limited to a situational role, but he has the skills to play a key role in passing situations.

9. Clay Harbor - TE - Missouri St.
Mobile small college tight end has improved every season and completed his career with a strong performance including the NFL Combine. He has a quick burst off the line with fine hands and run after the catch ability to be an immediate factor in a pro passing game. He has the talent to fill a few roles including the H back and fullback spots in addition to the tight end positions. He has proven to be a reliable receiver with top hands and the ability to make yardage after the reception. He shows good speed to give a club a threat in the deeper zones. At the NFL Combine, he run a sub 4.7 time with 30 reps and a fine 40” VL and 10’ BJ in an excellent overall workout. Excellent middle round value with the upside potential to become a starter in time.

10. John Skelton - QB - Fordham U (N.Y.)
Strong armed senior QB was impressive over his late career that probably earns him a late draft selection. He displays all the physical talent to become a pro starting QB with a good live arm and the strength and fine throwing technique to earn a #3 role. He has a good delivery and mechanics that allows him to make a quick release to deliver the ball in excellent timing. He has a live arm and gets the ball into tight windows with fairly good accuracy. This guy could be one of the hidden gems of this QB class. He has all the talent and intangibles to become a potential pro starter with development. With time to develop as a passer and learn an offense, he is prospect who is capable of moving up the depth charts over time.

11. Tony Washington - OT - Abilene Christian (Tx.)
Big mobile tackle completed an excellent small college career and shows the skill set to develop into an NFL starting linemen. He can play either tackle spot with the size, bulk, reach and footwork to earn a starting grade in time. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop and is a very good athlete with fine footwork and athletic ability. He can be one of the real hidden gems in this class and has NFL starting talent. His serious off the field problems cost him a high grade by most NFL teams, but he could be a major sleeper with the talent to start if given vital time to mature settle into a system.

12. Abe Koroma - NT - Western Illinois
Strong mobile lineman completed a fine career at the lower level after starting at Penn St. Abe will likely be a late round draft selection with the demand for nose tackles and his versatility to play in either front line. He has a wide frame, good functional strength and technique with a strong chance to start as a pro. He has a powerful base with quickness off the snap and sound use his hands to separate from blockers. He is similar to the Tank Johnson in size, athleticism, versatility and experience. Tough, durable lineman with experience in both front line schemes and the talent level to compete for a starting job at some point in his career. Marginal top 250 prospect probably falls to late in the draft off some off the field problems.

Photo - RB Dexter McCluster - Ole Miss
Dexter McCluster - 5'9" 170 lbs. - 4.55
Fast electrifying senior scatback had an outstanding career in the potent Ole Miss offense. Dexter is an athletic back with a fine burst of speed that ranks him with the fastest playmakers in this class. He has lined up at several positions especially running back late in his career after earlier starting time at receiver. He is one of the deluxe gadget performers in this class and became popular in the ‘Wild Rebel’ offense. As a runner, he explodes through the hole to the 2nd level with the breakaway speed to score from anywhere on the field. He is a smooth athlete who follows his blockers well, showing the ability to make defenders miss with his fine array of multiple moves. During his career, he averaged over 6 yards per carry lining up both in the shotgun and backfield. He shifts gears well, knowing when to wait to allow blockers to create openings and when to explode through a hole and run for daylight. He is very elusive in space and creates many opportunities in the openfield with breakaway speed to make the big play. As a receiver, he is very quick into his routes and gets open consistently with the sure hands to catch the ball and the running skills to be very dangerous after the reception. He averaged 13 yards per catch, a high number for any running back. He shows fine decision making as a runner with the vision, balance and enough power to run inside. He has the initial quickness to hit the hole with top speed and possesses the ability to make defenders consistently miss in the openfield. He slides quickly along the line and shows the ability to cutback hard and make the big play. As a prospect, he is a very good athlete with big play ability. Over his SEC career, he proved durable despite playing at a mere 170 lbs. and in the nation’s most physical conference. The Numbers: During the ’09 season, he started every game and rushed for 1169 yards on just 181 carries for 8 TDs and a fine 6.5 yard average. He also added 44 receptions for 520 yards and 3 TDs as an excellent outlet receiver with an 11.3 yard average. He earned MVP in the Ole Miss Cotton Bowl victory. He does have a big upside as a receiver, showing natural hands and nice route running. As a junior, he rushed for 655 yards on 109 carries for 6 TDs while adding 44 receptions for 625 yards and 1 TD. Over his career, he caught 130 passes for over 1700 yards and 7 TDs. Over his career, he had only 27 total returns, but he is capable of providing an impact in that role as a pro. At the NFL Combine, he ran 4.53 and 4.62 times with a 37.5” vertical leap, 9’10” BJ and did 20 reps. He had good agility drills including a 4.06 short shuttle time. He is a tough matchup due to size and versatility but similar to runner Darren Sproles or wideout DeSean Jackson in size, AA, body type and overall LOD. The Skinny: Athlete with the talent and physical ability to be a big play specialist if he proves durable in the NFL. He has natural running skills that coaches will utilize and create an offensive plan for him to fit. Though much smaller than ideal, he can become a playmaker in the right setting. He needs to make the necessary strength progress and overall improvement to hold up to the rigors of NFL play. Initially as a pro, he has the development to be a good change of pace and 3rd down back. Fast elusive type runner with the instincts and AA necessary to fill a key role as a situational weapon. Marginal top 100 prospect and could go as early as the 3rd round on speed and big play potential. Clubs like the Chiefs, Saints, Broncos and Falcons have on their short list. Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Draft Insiders' Yearbook - over 400 in-depth Scouting Reports for the NFL Draft 2010 - Available Now!!!!

Top 50 Pro Prospects - NFL Draft
This is an updated Top 50 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2010 post NFL Combine. We will have exclusive reports for subscribers from pro days thru April. We will have further reports prior and during the NFL Draft with critical information that will effect the selection process.

The skilled position players took center stage Sunday at the NFL Combine for workouts and a couple of Clemson Tigers were very impressive at the event. Running back C.J Spiller ran a fine 4.37 time at just under 5’11” and 196 lbs. He will have a complete workout for positional drills at the Clemson pro day in March. His Clemson teammate, wideout Jacoby Ford had the fastest 40 time at the event thus far with a 4.28 time. It challenged Chris Johnson’s record 4.24 time from the NFL Combine 2008. The time by Ford was the fastest by a receiver tying the record for the position for the event’s history. The defensive backs will run on Tuesday and there are a few prospects who will attempt to beat that super sprint number.

Running back Jahvid Best of Cal had a huge workout and one that he needed after a late season neck injury. He ran a 4.35 time at 199 lbs. that was the fastest among the running backs. He was impressive in the positional drills and did 18 reps in the lifting. RB Toby Gerhart of Stanford had a strong performance with a 4.53 time and 22 reps at over 230 lbs. He had a 38” vertical leap and a 9’10” broad jump and helped his cause. RB Montario Hardesty of Tennessee had a very impressive workout including a 4.49 time with 21 reps in the lifting. He had an incredible 41” vertical leap and a 10’4” broad jump that was best among the talented running backs. Ryan Matthews of Fresno St. ran a 4.45 time with a 10’1” broad jump, 36” vertical leap and 19 reps in the lifting that impressed many NFL clubs. He is one of the fastest rising prospects at the event thus far.

Frank Coyle is a nationally known football scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest. In its 24th season, DraftInsiders.com is a website and publication dedicated to the coverage of NFL and NCAA Football.